This could be a minor but important indicator of the housing market. Buyers and homeowners are starting to remodel again. Even where there is less demand, that decrease is, er, decreasing.

The article in RIS Media cites data from the most recent American Institute of Architects’ Home Design Trends Survey.

You might enjoy reading the lists the five most popular bathroom and kitchen remodels, too.

In fact, here are the five most popular kitchen products and features:

-Recycling center, a designated place to put cans, papers, etc., which could be in the form of a nook or even part of the lower cabinetry
-Larger pantry space
-Renewable flooring materials
-Renewable countertop materials
-Computer area/recharging stations, dedicated to such tasks as recharging laptops, cell phones and PDAs.

And speaking of tax credits...

Here is an EXCELLENT rundown of fact versus fiction on tax credits for energy-effecient improvements to your home, courtesy of the National Association of Home Builders (link here).

You can even download a handy-dandy little fact sheet.

Wondering what your remodeling project is worth? We can help you find the answer.

Cost versus Value: Using Your Remodeling Dollars wisely

What can you recoup from a remodeling project?

Money magazine has an article about what not to expect a return on, like a swimming pool.

But what WILL buyers pay for? An extra bathroom is high on the list. So is adding siding to your home.

We have the full report (we expect to see it updated for 2006 in December). Click here to request a summary of the report.